David de Gea sends message as now ex-Liverpool midfielder announces retirement from professional football

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Former Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has announced his retirement from professional football.

Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara had a magnificent career at the top of European football, winning a Champions League with Bayern Munich and multiple league titles with the German side as well as Barcelona.

During his time with Liverpool, however, Alcantara struggled hugely with consistency as he suffered from countless injury issues that continued to scupper his four years at Anfield.

There were moments of class, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once labelled the midfielder as ‘sensational‘ following a victory over Watford back in 2022, but things never really worked out for Alcantara.

Liverpool players show appreciation for Thiago

Despite his time at Anfield being a rather unsuccessful one, with a League Cup and an FA Cup title all to show for his time in England, it seems he was certainly appreciated by his teammates.

On Thiago’s announcement of his retirement on his Instagram page, Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson said: “What a player and what a guy! Good luck my friend.”

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who only played with Thiago for a year, said: “I’ll stay wanting to play next to you but some drills were enough to see what you’re capable of with a football up close.

“Thank you for everything you gave to football and good luck in this new stage of your life!”

Former Liverpool defeder Ozan Kabak simply replied with two clapping emojis. Even former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was very complimentary of Thiago when he said: “What a player!”

Thiago’s time in England blighted by injuries

There were some moments of world-class ability from the Spaniard, the 25-yard strike against FC Porto back in November of 2021 being a memorable example, but his injury issues were frequent and frustrating.

During his time at Liverpool, the midfielder missed a total of 130 games through injury during his four years at Anfield.

Klopp’s dedication to Thiago, following his final game for the club, was more about the frustration with his injury problems but on his day, there was no doubting the Spaniard’s qualities.